Every time Laura Magee settles in behind the wheel of an ambulance, odds are that she’ll be working with COVID-19 patients.
Magee, a third-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student in the Class of 2020, works per diem as an EMT for Cataldo Ambulance Service. Since the pandemic began, she has split her time between regular 911 shifts and those that involve testing residents in group homes for the coronavirus.
“I’ve been the one who goes in and gives the tests to the residents, and that’s considered the ‘hot zone’,” said Magee. “The nasal swabs can be somewhat uncomfortable and oftentimes the staff need to be present to comfort the residents so that we can successfully collect the samples. The staff, overall, have been grateful and appreciative of us coming.”
Magee, who has worked part-time as an EMT since attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell prior to starting at the MGH Institute, wears face shields, N95s, gloves, and gowns. “I double glove during every testing shift,” she noted. Her partner, who accompanies her to prepare the testing materials and handle the paperwork, is considered in the “warm zone.”
She can visit as many as eight nursing homes during each testing shift, where the number of residents who are positive has continued to grow. “We don’t know who’s going to be positive when we go in,” she said.
During her 911 shifts, the number of COVID-19 cases also has increased. On a recent day, for example, four out of the five patients she and her partner transported to local hospitals tested positive. Patients who call for other illnesses but are negative have been worried about leaving their home despite Magee’s recommendation they need medical care.
“They’re nervous about going to the emergency department because they are afraid of contracting the virus,” she said. “And with many hospitals not allowing visitors at this time, it’s made people much more fearful about being admitted. Some of them say outwardly that they are scared.”
Magee said being able to help people during the pandemic has been very gratifying. She uses her OT education to engage patients therapeutically in each interaction and help them balance their physical and mental health needs.
“I feel honored to do this job at a time like this, and am lucky enough to have the good health, both physically and mentally, to allow me to work this job,” said the Wilmington native. “I feel particularly honored to work alongside my coworkers who are truly some of the most amazing people you could possibly meet. They do amazing things every day.”